Delay analysis for inter-LAN traffic using two suitable TDMA satellite access schemes

Two demand assignment time division multiple access (TDMA) satellite access schemes that are suitable for providing flexible interconnections of local area networks are compared by means of two simulations; Fifo Ordered Demand Assignment/Information Bit Energy Adaptive (FODA/IBEA) and Combined Fixed Reservation Assignment (CFRA). A unique simulation tool was used, a meshed network of very small aperture terminals (VSATs) under the control of a master station was considered and similar networking conditions were applied to both access schemes. The generated traffic had two components with different level of burstiness; bulk traffic and interactive traffic. The performance evaluated is the delay for each traffic component. We show that CFRA is best when connecting clusters of only a few stations and even individual stations exchanging light traffic. On the other hand, FODA/IBEA is better suited to interconnect networks, or within networks with many hosts, where heavy traffic is more likely.